Meet Alex Frizzell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Frizzell.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
As far back as I can remember I have always had a love for music, and rhythm. As a child my parents noticed me tapping my hands and feet to the beats of the songs that were playing. After realizing I was actually keep time with the beats they purchased a small electronic pad for me. I played on that thing every single day, probably to my parent’s annoyance. Thankfully they supported me and my love for the drums. After some time to learn on my own my friends dad showed me a basic rock beat on an actual drum kit. I picked the beat up immediately without direction.

Soon after that my grandpa purchased a drum set as a birthday gift. Knowing I was lacking the practical equipment to really expand my skills, he decided to give it to me many months before my birthday. From that point on it was drums. I remember sitting at those things every chance I got, even to the point my brothers and parents would constantly ask for a few hours of quiet. During those down times all I could think about was the next time I would get to sit behind the kit.

Over the next few years I played as much as I could. Playing at my church, in some bands and all my high school bands (marching, jazz, pep, concert). After high school I joined the U.S. Army. You may think, wow what a drastic change from playing drums. In fact, the military taught me more than I could know. It taught me discipline, self-sufficiency, community and team work.

After my three years of service and a deployment to Iraq, I felt the deepest urge to pursue my music career. In 2013 I sent in my audition tape to Musicians In state in Los Angeles, CA. I felt I didn’t have the skill level to attend such an accomplished school, but a few months later I remember getting a letter in the mail and really taking my time to open it. What I thought was a rejection letter was, in fact, an acceptance letter. As soon as I read that, I was the most excited person ever. I was engaged at the time, but the girl I was with wasn’t willing to move to California, unfortunately I had to break things off. I wasn’t going to let anything stand in the way of the dreams I’ve always had, to play drums professionally. Now I’m living in LA, playing with my band True North (metal), Christie Huff (pop-country) and side gigs every once in a while.

Please tell us about your art.
I’m a drummer through and through, I love everything about them, from the differing sounds of wood types, to the use of different tuning and head selections to create unique and different sounds. As a drummer a lot of people think of us as just that, a drummer. They think we don’t have the music side of things. I usually introduce myself as a musician first, and when asked what instrument I play I then say drums. It immediately shows people that I’m a musician like anyone else, just my instrument of choice is the drum set.

Just like my inspirations growing up, I’ve always wanted to inspire people who were on the fence of learning an instrument or looking for something to let them express themselves. I grew up like most people, no special advantages or wealth. I worked hard to make money to purchase drum sets and drum gear, to pay for gas to get to gigs, etc.

My message to the world is this, you’re in control of your decisions and what you want to do in life. Just because society says you need a 9-5 job, or marriage by 30, or kids by 35 doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. I see a lot of unhappy people who have chosen the standard life, and that’s not for me. I would rather be eating ramen for an extra two or three years and finally get the success I crave, than buckle and give up for a steady job. I hope people can take this away, if you work hard, which is the first and biggest key, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Then create a vision for yourself, take small steps in the right direction and eventually you will reach that goal.

I play with cover bands and original bands alike, and what I try to bring is a refreshing energy to whatever project I’m a part of. My goal is to heighten the listeners experience by being musical and fitting in with the artist I’m performing with by emotional expression on my instrument. I’ve spent many, many hours in a rehearsal room practicing fills, grooves, rudiments, technique and many other things. I want to be able to access each of those skills whenever I may need them. Some gigs will require a completely different technique than another, or a different musical vocabulary than others. I put my heart and soul into whatever I’m creating, whether I’m writing with someone, filming lessons/play-throughs, or writing alone. Always give 100% and you will always be proud of your work.

We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
My biggest problem when I first started was thinking I can do this alone. No one, and I repeat NO ONE can do this alone. Don’t be afraid to talk to people, don’t be afraid to go to local shows – or wherever art you like is made public – and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. The art industry isn’t very kind, it takes someone who isn’t willing to give up or let people bring them down. As an artist emotion run high, but sometimes I need to set that aside and push myself outside the comfort zone.

Networking has opened more doors than I could ever expect. I try connecting with artists/musicians, I befriend them and then we recommend each other for gigs. Once there’s a gig I have to let my passion and skills speak through my instrument.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can find any of my work at my website (alexfrizzelldrums.com) or my Instagram page (@alexfrizzelldrums). The music I’ve performed on are all on iTunes/Apple MUSIC, Spotify and YouTube.

I could use everyone’s help to get my name out there. I post on my Instagram and YouTube regularly, but it’s hard to break through all the convolution that is social media. Supporting local musicians and artist is also huge for me. As long as you feel inspired, that’s what I really want.

Contact Info:

• Website: alexfrizzelldrums.com
• Email: alexfrizzellmusic@gmail.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/alexfrizzelldrums
• Facebook: facebook.com/alexfrizzell
• Twitter: twitter.com/frizzelldrums

Image Credit:
Alex Frizzell

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